Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Laguna Niguel CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Laguna Niguel CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Laguna Niguel CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Laguna Niguel CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Laguna Niguel CA area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Laguna Niguel CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Laguna Niguel CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.